Phono or horned string instruments developed at
the turn of the 20th century in the first instance to assist in sound
recordings on to wax cylinders as a sharper sound was needed. As recording
techniques improved phono instrument enjoyed some popularity as novelty
instruments. Many thousands of one string phono fiddles were produced of
varying quality. Augustus Stroh was the pioneer in the market and
produced the more superior instruments with their patented diaphragm
arrangement. Violins, violas, cellos, basses, ukuleles and guitars were
made. The 4 string
violins are scarce but other versions are extremely rare today. As
wax cylinder players lost popularity to the development of the disc
recordings by the 1920s Stroh's production gradually slowed. There
has been some revival of interest in recent years.

One of only five Stroh guitars
known to exist.(above ) ref:
Brian Cohen

Stroviols violin circa 1910.
Twin horned. The smaller to be angled for the player to head as the sound
is otherwise very directional. These are often favoured by jazz musicians.

Stroh viola. Proportionally larger than the violin. Some with 2
horns some just one.

One
stringed aluminium horned Stroviols. (left) They also made various
brass horned examples (right)

A
Stroh mandolin. One of few existing.

Willy Tiebel, Markneukirchen, German made similar
instruments to Augustus Stroh in the 1920s, with a maple scroll and
body of mahogany (vaguely rectangular in cross section where Stroh's
instruments were usually round). New 4 string Stroviol copies
can be found but the sound is not generally as good. In Eastern
Europe a 4 string phono fiddle called a Viora cu goarma is
used. Made using an old trumpet bell and gramophone type sound box
diaphragm.

Phono instruments by Howson

Two Howson large and small brass bells C1910

Under the brass
disc Howson inserted a metal diaphragm

Howson's all
carry the Howson logo.

Howson phono fiddle advert.

.Howson unusual 2 string with brass horn.
Strings tuned in unison.

Phono ukulele by A T
Howson.
London

Violinophone. Prague
early 20th century. This instrument has a diaphragm mounted vertically
under the bridge. The sound is carried through a tube to the horn which
rests around the shoulder to face forward.

An interesting experinmental phono
fiddle. With a gramophone type sound box and the wooden horn cuved
to represent a violin. Circa 1900

Twin horn one string phono fiddle early 20th century

There are many one string phono fiddles still in evidence, these
were often used as novelty items and often in musical hall and other stage
acts. These usually work on a flat circular cellophane diaphram, a crude
metal bridge glued directly to the surface. They were held and played in
the cello position and tuned variously to suit the player. Strohviols and Howson
were the most prominent makers. They were popular up until the 1940s and
most retired to the loft.